It's #TBT and I wanna share a memory of the 1985 concert I attended when I saw John "Cougar" Mellencamp and met him backstage.   

I have been a fan of John's ever since he was known as John Cougar. By the time "Pink Houses" was released in 1983, he had changed his name to John Cougar Mellencamp. And later, he changed it to John Mellencamp who was born and raised in Seymour, Indiana.

Performances included:  "Hurts So Good", "Jack and Diane", "Pink Houses", "Small Town", "R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.",  and many more.

After a great performance at Hersheypark Arena, I had the pleasure of going backstage to meet John.   At that time, he was on tour promoting his new album, “Scarecrow”.  I thought he was pretty cool inviting all of us from our radio station to hang out with him.  We got to enjoy a huge spread of food after the show! I remember him as a down-to- earth nice guy! (Picture was taken from his record rep in black & white so that it could be published in the radio publication magazines)  Also an FYI -  Nobody was allowed to take in cameras/pictures during concerts back in those days.

Update to 2019 -  I attended John Mellencamp's recent concert at the Old National Events Plaza on Sunday, Mar. 10th and I thought he sounded just as good as he did back in the '80's...maybe a little more raspy, but he could still hit the notes!  He sang some new material and played most of his hit songs except he didn't sing R.O.C.K. in the USA!   I was a little disappointed that he didn't want anyone taking any pictures or video during the show, therefore I don't have a pic to show you.

#JohnMellencamp  #backstage  #JohnCougarMellencampconcert  #greatmemories  #ThrowbackThursday #TBT  #Hoosierboy

More From My WJLT 105.3